Unlike Boston, New York, or Chicago, the LA Marathon doesn't ask you to run a qualifying time or win a lottery to get in. That openness is one of the race's defining features, but it comes with its own set of tradeoffs worth understanding before you register.

Open entry, no lottery, no qualifying time

Registration for the LA Marathon is first-come, first-served. There's no time standard to meet and no ballot to enter — if entries are available, you can register. The minimum age for the marathon is 16. The tradeoff for that accessibility is that the race does sell out most years, and once general entries are gone, the paths back in narrow considerably. This page's own registration data, where available, will show current status — treat any pricing or date information you find elsewhere as subject to change and verify it directly with the official race before paying.

Pricing rises in tiers as the race approaches

Rather than a single flat entry fee, the race typically uses tiered pricing that increases in stages as race day gets closer, so the earliest registration window is generally the cheapest and the latest is the most expensive. Because specific prices and dates change from year to year, don't rely on last year's numbers — check the official McCourt Foundation registration page for the current tier and closing date before you commit.

Charity and group entries if general registration sells out

If standard registration closes before you get in, charity entry is a well-established backup path. The race partners with a large roster of charity organizations, including the McCourt Foundation's own in-house team, and each sets its own fundraising minimum in exchange for a guaranteed bib. This route asks for a real commitment — you're agreeing to raise money, not just pay a higher entry fee — so read a charity partner's terms carefully before signing on, including what happens if you don't hit the fundraising minimum.

Running clubs and training programs are another way in. Several Los Angeles-area running clubs and coached training groups include race entry as part of their membership or program fee, so it's worth checking with a local club or training program if general registration isn't an option.

Students Run LA: a different kind of entry path

A meaningful share of the field each year comes through Students Run LA, a nonprofit that trains Los Angeles public school students toward the marathon at no cost to their families, covering entry, transportation, and gear. It's not a path open to the general public, but it's worth knowing about as context for why the race's charity culture runs deeper than a typical big-city marathon's fundraising program — and why you'll see a lot of teenagers, and a lot of proud families, on course.

Policies worth knowing before you pay

• Treat your entry as a real commitment. Major marathons, including this one, are typically strict about deferrals, transfers, and refunds — confirm the current policy directly with the race before assuming you'll have flexibility if your plans change.
• Register early if you're set on running. Because pricing rises in tiers and the race does sell out, waiting rarely saves money and can cost you a spot entirely.
• Keep your confirmation details. Whichever entry path you use — general, charity, or a club or training program — save your confirmation email and any fundraising terms somewhere you can find them later.

Bib pickup and why there's typically no race-day registration

Because the race regularly sells out ahead of time, don't plan on same-day or expo registration as a backup option — in years when the race fills up, no race-day registration is offered at all. Bib pickup instead happens in person at the pre-race expo in the days before the marathon, and most entry categories require picking up your own bib rather than having someone collect it for you. If you're traveling from out of town, build expo attendance into your travel itinerary rather than assuming you can handle it the morning of the race.

Age and ID requirements

The marathon's minimum age is 16, and runners under 18 typically need a parent or guardian present at bib pickup to sign the event waiver in person. If you're registering a younger runner, plan for both of you to attend the expo together rather than assuming a digital waiver will suffice.